Hamoun has been dried and the wind blows everywhere. These days, Iranian people are dealing with environmental and economic problems. Climate changes, drought, reduction of raining, governmental mismanagement and drying the lakes and wetlands are the most important problems.
Sistan in Southeast of Iran and in the boundary of Afghanistan is one of the regions that are affected harshly by drying Hamoun Lake. Before drought in 1999, Sistan was considered as the wheat store of Iran. By reduction in amount of entering water of Hirmand River from Afghanistan to this region, Hamoun Lake and wetland that was the only hope and power point of economy in Sistan was dried. Increase in pace of the 120-days winds because of drought in Hamoun Lake and particles of dried sediments in floor of the Lake have created environmental and health risk for residents. More than four hundred thousand people are affected by the drought.
Wind is a part of Sistan people’s life. It blows everywhere and every time. Springs are dried. Livestock are afflicted with disease and children health is under risk. Unemployment and poverty threatens the people. Many people have migrated to other cities but some are unable to migrate. They have stayed and struggle with this wild nature.
Jalal Shamsazaran – documentary and social life phhotographer, born in Tabriz, Iran in 1971.
